Open Research Information

Meaning of the Barcelona Declaration

• Open research information becomes the norm

  The first principle in the Barcelona Declaration states that open research information becomes the norm for the data we use as well as for research information we produce ourselves. In terms of using research information, team Research Intelligence already uses open source data sources such as OpenAlex and OpenAIRE where possible. The publication of the open version of the Leiden Ranking has also dispelled much scepticism around the use of such open data sources. Open sources are not yet available for all information. We naturally keep an eye on new developments, but we also work ourselves on making data openly available. For instance, data on VU research output (so-called metadata) are published in the Netherlands Research Portal in OpenAIRE. 

• Working with services and systems that support and enable open research information

  To make research information open, it is important to remove technical and contractual barriers. With this second principle, we commit to working towards this by ensuring that research information generated during the publication process is also openly available. For example, in negotiations with publishers, the University Library states that the metadata of VU publications will not become the exclusive property of those publishers, but will also be made openly available via Crossref. Also, the system used to manage research information must have the ability to export that research data, and thus be usable outside that system. That capability is currently already there. And as mentioned above, we also use that capability to make our information openly available. 

• Supporting sustainable infrastructures for open research information

  Open research information infrastructures enable open research information to be made available to users. It is often not clear to users exactly what an infrastructure does, until the moment that infrastructure goes down, and all the services built on it can no longer be used. An example of such an infrastructure is Crossref, which makes metadata about publications available. It is important that such an infrastructure is sustainable. The University Library has an active role in the community that designs and manages open infrastructures, thus supporting the sustainability of those structures. In the future, we will also pay more attention to ensuring that the operations of the infrastructures we use are in line with the principles of the Barcelona Declaration. 

• Support joint action to accelerate the transition to open research information

  We mentioned above that the University Library is active in the community that has emerged around open research information. For example, we are directly involved in the Coalition for the advancement of Research Assessment (CoARA), in OpenAIRE, and in SURF. Within those various groups, we share our experiences, and jointly try to move towards more open research information. In time, that will include looking at an open system to manage VU's research information. For now, the current options are of insufficient quality.